... will be related to search engines. Microsoft announced that it is going to sue Google in Europe alleging that Google has set up its search engine to preclude other entities from breaking into the market. Microsoft, obviously got this idea when the same European Court said it was doing the same thing by bundling internet explorer and windows media player with Windows.
Probably Google will use the tried and true "Bing sucks, and no one would use it anyway" defense.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Amex lawsuit regarding foreign currency fees will continue
American Express's motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit over the hidden fees it charges in foreign currency transactions was denied, and the suit will continue. The federal government has not regulated foreign currency transaction fees on credit card transactions in foreign countries, and the thrust of this lawsuit is that all the major credit companies collude to keep the fees high.
Seattle man sentenced to six years for mortgage fraud
I'm in Seattle for the weekend, so here is this tidbit from the Seattle Times. Apparently, this huckster was able to defraud several banks of over $7 million in fraudulent mortgages, and is now going to spend 6 in the poke.
Still, I wonder what genius at Pierce Commercial Bank was asleep at the switch when this fraud was perpetrated.
Still, I wonder what genius at Pierce Commercial Bank was asleep at the switch when this fraud was perpetrated.
Portland schools building initiative to be one of the most expensive ever in the state
The Oregonian offers this in depth report. The plan includes renovating Cleveland and Roosevelt and building a new Jefferson High, which are, according to the Oregonian, higher cost per square foot than any other public schools which have been built in the state.
The cost of this project is not inconsequential, the record $548 million bond on May's ballot would an increase in property taxes of about $2 per $1000 of assessed value for Portland property owners. This is about $750 a year for an owner of $250K house. The other issue is whether that money is really well spent on the very fancy schools which Portland wants to build, but it wouldn't feel like Portland without LEED certified high schools.
The cost of this project is not inconsequential, the record $548 million bond on May's ballot would an increase in property taxes of about $2 per $1000 of assessed value for Portland property owners. This is about $750 a year for an owner of $250K house. The other issue is whether that money is really well spent on the very fancy schools which Portland wants to build, but it wouldn't feel like Portland without LEED certified high schools.
Beaverton Schools Superintendent set to make $185K
The Oregonian reports that the new superintendent of the flailing Beaverton Public Schools will be the third highest paid education administrator in the state. This is tough pill to swallow after the district just announced it was laying off 50 custodians because of budget problems.
Mt. Tabor is moving to Vancouver
Well, OK, just the brewery. But, if they want the big bucks, they'll have to do more than just find cheaper space across the river. Maybe, they'll be the next microbrewery acquired by Craft Brewers Alliance, Inc., the publicly held company consisting of Redhook, Widmer, and the recently acquired Kona Breweries, which posted profits of $1.5 million last year. Who knew microbrewing was such a big business!
Portland water bureau to expend funds to write history of Portland water bureau
Just to make sure that we have a great chronicle of the Portland Water Bureau's poor spending decision, the Portland Water Bureau is funding a history of the Portland Water Bureau.
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